At Local 509, we believe that solidarity is at the core of our union. It’s our different identities and experiences that make us a stronger organization. As our solidarity principles state, “We believe in respect and equity for all workers and people across genders, race, abilities, religions, age, country of origin and sexual orientation. In order to build a strong labor movement, we must make connections across our organizing work and stand together in the face of injustice.”
Each month, we’ll be featuring a member spotlight to hear why the work of our social justice committees is so crucial to building union power. On May 9th, the JEB approved the creation of an LGBTQIA+ committee within Local 509. Now, in June, we’re celebrating Pride by highlighting the work of our LGBTQIA+ committee as we prepare for the first meeting.
Why did you feel it was time to start an LGBTQIA committee?
The LGBTQIA+ workforce has been overlooked for quite some time in the labor movement. Even though we’ve been strong active members, our issues typically are side-stepped, our voices have not been heard.
On a larger level, our community is under attack. Since January, there were 469 bills filed in our country that are attacking LGBTQIA+ individuals and the community. There have been 2 Bills filed in Massachusetts. No matter how liberal we are in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, there will always be some people that want to silence us and erase us. It is time for us to speak out and give voice to our issues and our experiences.
What do you see the committee doing within the Local?
Right now, at the state level, we’ve been fighting for gender neutral bathrooms, effective training for managers, changing HR processes and so much more. I am fortunate to be a part of the SEIU 509 team that meets with management to work on these issues.
But challenges for LGBTQIA+ members exist in all our workplaces. We need to open this committee up to all our members so we can help each other figure out how to work on issues like these in our different workplaces and support each other in those fights. We have big waves to make in the workplace as well as in the community. There is no reason why someone can’t use the bathroom they’re most comfortable with or that they identify with, or why someone else’s bias should prevent you from being promoted. No human being should ever be bullied or harassed for being who they are. Bosses should respect the work and the worker. Respecting the worker means treating everyone with respect and dignity.
What are you hoping for the committee’s role to be in Local 509?
I think I was a member for 8 years before I learned there was [an SEIU] Lavender Caucus. Our members need to know there is space within our union to bring in LGBTQIA+ issues, and that’s a primary role of this committee.
I want this committee to be vibrant and active. A committee that drives our issues to the bargaining tables and into the community. I want this committee to be the leader in the LGBTQIA+ community fighting back against fascism. I do not know of any other union that has an outspoken committee about LGBTQIA+ issues, and we can become a leader in the labor movement and in the community.
I want this committee to educate others and embrace our allies. We will have a judgment-free zone where people can come and talk and strategize on how to tackle these issues in our workplaces and communities and how to fight for better rights and equality.
What are you most excited to work on?
I’m excited to work on building a community with our Local. Until there’s a committee with a clear vision, I’m one person, but I’m excited to talk about how to work on important issues. I’m also hoping to work with coalition partners to develop a speaker series and other opportunities for engagement. We plan to have presentations recorded so that if you can’t attend, you will be able to access them online.
The bottom line is, there are things that I never thought I would see in my lifetime happen for my community, but we have much further to go. We need to push those envelopes and open those doors for all people. We are not done.
How can people get involved? We are having our first committee meeting on Monday, June 26 at 6 pm-7:30 pm. It’ll be on Zoom. You can sign up to join us at: https://act.seiu.org/a/509-sj-committees
